GBI Investigates Death in Sylvester

UPDATE - June 20, 2024:

Kortezz Thomas turned himself in at the Sylvester Police Department and is in custody. He has been charged with one count of felony murder. He will be taken to a Youth Detention Center facility.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Sylvester, GA (June 17, 2024) – The GBI has obtained arrest warrants for Kortezz Thomas, age 14, of Sylvester, GA, in connection to the death of Ke’aisa Young, age 16. Thomas is not in custody and GBI agents are searching for him. The Sylvester Police Department asked the GBI to investigate Young’s death on June 15, 2024. 

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, at about 11:15 p.m., officers with the Sylvester Police Department were called to the 200 block of Shipp Lane in reference to a death. When officers arrived, they discovered Young suffering from a gunshot wound. Young was visiting friends when the shooting occurred. 

Young’s body was taken to the GBI Crime Lab where a medical examiner will perform an autopsy. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080, or the Sylvester Police Department at 229-776-8501. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.  

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Tift Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.